So what are the rules for backyards? Those responsible for the inspections claim they cannot enforce any standards, yet the State Statutes clarify this is not so. Who in Crystal Key has a backyard that is not visible from an adjacent parcel?
Recent Changes to Regulations
Florida Statute 720.3045: Enacted in 2023, this law prohibits HOAs from restricting the installation, display, or storage of items in backyards that are not visible from the street or adjacent properties. This includes items like boats, RVs, and artificial turf, unless prohibited by local ordinances.
Actual Rule:
720.3045 Installation, display, and storage of items.—Regardless of any covenants, restrictions, bylaws, rules, or requirements of an association, and unless prohibited by general law or local ordinance, an association may not restrict parcel owners or their tenants from installing, displaying, or storing any items on a parcel which are not visible from the parcel’s frontage or an adjacent parcel, an adjacent common area, or a community golf course, including, but not limited to, artificial turf, boats, flags, vegetable gardens, clotheslines, and recreational vehicles.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2023-64; s. 6, ch. 2024-221.
This is not just aesthetics. There are storm hazard issues here also as we have grown complacent with no major storms for over a decade. If it is apparent to you that weather control technology has been in use, I would caution that it is also used experimentally and has been weaponized. If residents have a backyard full of junk, I hope they also have a plan.
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